Around Town
Local recommendations
New Norfolk, 35-minute scenic drive along the meandering Derwent River.
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Hobart’s dining scene is a reflection of Tasmania itself - refined yet unpretentious, deeply connected to land and sea, and always best savoured slowly. From neighbourhood bakeries to candlelit pasta bars and award-winning eateries, here is a collection of places we hold dear - where seasonal produce, thoughtful interiors, and a generous pour are always on the menu.
Agrarian Kitchen Eatery + Kiosk
Best done on a little day trip, this eatery is in the historic village of New Norfolk. Rodney and Severine Dunn also host world-renowned cooking classes set on the beautiful grounds (formerly a Forensic Hospital housing the criminally insane). Tours around the flourishing and highly nurtured gardens can be made via The Agrarian Kitchen website. The garden provides the eatery and kiosk (and its microscopic inhabitants) the freshest of seasonal food for 12 months of the year… impressive! From farm to plate, this dedicated team provide the loveliest experience. The Agrarian Kitchen’s Menu is changed weekly, but they always keep serving crowd favourites. Head Chef Stephen Peak will impress. On your way northwest along the meandering Derwent River you will find wineries Stefano Lubiana and Derwent Estate Vineyard (a must stop).
Our nearest and dearest eatery, Ogee is a scenic 5-minute walk from the cottage (via Lochner Street & Arthur Street). Ogee is big sister to award winning wine bar and eatery @sonny.hobart. Ogee’s moody interior is lite by romantic candlelight, timeless records are carefully selected and played through @pittandgiblin speakers. The wine list and menu are mouthwatering (to say the least) paired with handmade pasta which is our absolute favourite! We recommend booking to avoid disappointment. Located at 374 Murray St, Hobart
Tucked within a character-filled building on Hobart’s Argyle Street, Pigeon Whole Bakers has become something of a local institution - celebrated for its golden, buttery pastries, crusty sourdoughs, and an ever-tempting array of baked delights. The aroma alone, drifting down Argyle Street each morning, is enough to draw both locals and travellers alike.
At Lumière Lodge, we believe there’s no finer way to begin a slow Tasmanian morning than with the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked croissant. Guests may discover, tucked within the kitchen, a box of Pigeon Whole’s bake-at-home croissants - a little indulgence thoughtfully provided for their stay. Left to rise overnight, these golden pastries invite a gentle morning ritual - freshly baked by guests in their own time, to be savoured with a pot of tea or rich coffee as sunlight spills through antique windows.
For those wishing to explore further, a visit to Pigeon Whole’s bustling bakery is a must - whether to gather provisions for a picnic, or simply to indulge in a pastry (or two) alongside their expertly brewed coffee.
Because some mornings deserve to be savoured, layer by buttery layer.
Wine, vinyl and food. @sonny.hobart is a little wine bar and eatery in the bustling streets of Hobart City with a relaxed and trendy vibe. They will keep your glasses ever flowing and conversation rolling. Make sure to line up promptly by 4pm (walk-in only). Iconic and award winning. Located at 120a Elizabeth St, Hobart.
This cold climate wine bar and eatery has an attractive facade reminiscent of the vibrant shop fronts in Notting Hill and an interior that takes you back to the rise of the millennium. We recommend booking an exploration into owners, Lou and Nav’s, Süd Polaire Gin and Whisky range, followed by a memorable dinner @institutpolairetasmania. Located at 1/7 Murray St, Hobart.
Aloft is passionate about local produce. The menu reflects the changing seasons and the raw nature of Tasmania. Situated in a felicitous spot, the eatery offers a pure and varied menu. With a commitment to excellence, the establishment ensures that each dish is crafted to perfection, providing a memorable culinary experience. We highly recommend booking a window seat for one of Hobart’s most spectacular harbour views. Or, the bar seats overlooking the kitchen, where you can watch the chefs at work. @aloftrestaurant_ isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an experience! Located at Brooke St Pier, Hobart.
Boasting an award-winning wine list curated by wine connoisseur @kobi_ruz, Dier Makr is a must for cool climate experience. A modern take on organic Tasmanian produce with gorgeous heritage interiors. A well loved addition to Dier Makr is it’s little sister Lucinda Wine Bar which is located in the same heritage building. It is a real treat when local Chef, Analiese Gregory contributes to the made-to-be-shared menu, “@analiesegregory’s go-to is a Dirty Martini alongside French-inspired snacks, like oysters mignonette, Lucinda Wine Bar whipped anchovy and crudités” (Time Out). Both are the perfect date night! Located at 123 Collins St, Hobart.
In the broader reach of our local neighbourhood lives Trophy Room. A bistro style cafe and restaurant located in North Hobart (a twenty minute picturesque walk from the cottage on the flat). Owner’s Rose and James have created a little neighbourhood gem with freshly baked pastries and bread cooked-up in the open plan kitchen every morning and hand made pasta rolled and cut for the evenings. We can’t get enough of this delightful couple and their offerings. We highly recommend ordering our favourite dessert, the Bombe Alaska! Walk-in’s welcome, but highly recommend booking to avoid disappointment. @trophyroomhobart Located at 342 Argyle St, North Hobart.
Head chefs and owners Federica and Oskar came together in the North of Italy 5 years ago. Following a year of travel and pop-up restaurants, searching for the perfect location, they landed in Oskar's hometown of Hobart, and founded @ficohobart. Inspired by their respective backgrounds in fine dining establishments, Fico is a neo bistro blurring the lines between fine dining and a traditional bistro... we like to call it fun dining. Located at 151a Macquarie St, Hobart.
Created by the owners of Fico (above), @pitzi_hobart is a beautiful Italian pasta bar located in the heart of Hobart (just around the corner from Fico). Pitzi is open from Friday to Tuesday. Walk-in from 4pm, bookings can be made from 5pm. Eat and be merry! Located at 4 Victoria St, Hobart.
A neighbourhood gem tucked into Sandy Bay, Six Russell offers the best of both worlds - freshly baked goods by day and refined, French-inspired dining by night. Mornings bring the scent of buttery pastries, house-made bread and quality pantry items, while evenings transform the space into a bistro where local produce shines on the plate. Expect dishes like smoked rainbow trout almandine, and steak au poivre with crispy potatoes, all served with a generous side of charm.
Six Russel is the cousin of Hobart gems Dier Makr and Lucinda with Kobi Ruzicka as culinary director and coffee expertise provided by Bryan Teo. Recently featured in TAS Weekend by Alix Davis, Six Russell is the kind of place that locals quietly adore - and one our guests are always glad to discover. @six_russell_bakes and @six_russell_bistro are located at 6 Russell Crescent, Sandy Bay.
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“Mona is the playground and megaphone of David Walsh, who grew up in Tasmania (just down the road from Mona), dropped out of university, played cards, won, did some other stuff, and opened a small museum of antiquities to which no one came. He declared it a triumph and decided to expand. The result is Mona, a temple to secularism, rationalism, and talking crap about stuff you really don’t know very much about. We won’t tell anyone. Come and play.” - via the Mona website. We recommend catching The Mona Ferry via Brooke Street Pier which is a $7 Uber fair from the cottage. This whacky and wonderful ferry service takes you on a scenic 25-minute cruise to your main destination. Tickets can be purchased from the ‘Getting to Mona’ Website.
The market extends the full length of Hobart's historic Salamanca Place, from the silos end to the top of Davey Street. You will find a huge selection of locally made products and you can meet the makers, the artisans, the designers and producers. The market is one of those special places where you can find plenty of handmade and home-grown produce, mingle with the locals, enjoy the vibrancy and atmosphere, and discover the heart of a creative island. Salamanca Market is Tasmania's most visited tourism attraction and runs each Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm, rain, hail or shine (map here). We recommend walking the historical Kelly’s Steps to the picturesque suburb of Battery Point where you can spend the afternoon admiring old 19th Century Hobart.
Battery Point: A Stroll Through Hobart’s Heritage Heart
With its winding lanes, sandstone cottages, and sea-kissed air, Battery Point feels like stepping into a storybook of Hobart’s colonial past. Begin your wander at the foot of Kelly’s Steps - a sandstone staircase built in 1839 by convict stonemason James Kelly, connecting bustling Salamanca to the quiet charm of Battery Point above. Meander through streets lined with beautifully preserved heritage homes, where ivy-clad walls and picket fences frame glimpses of Hobart’s maritime history. Pause at the village green of Arthur Circus, a perfect spot to soak in the serenity, before following the scent of fresh pastries to the beloved Jackman & McRoss Bakery. For those inclined towards a convivial atmosphere, the Shipwright Arms Pub offers a classic pub experience, while nearby Leoht presents a curated selection of artisanal wares - a nod to Tasmania’s contemporary craft scene nestled within its historic heart.
Whether you're in search of a quiet corner in a leafy park, a flaky pastry, or simply the pleasure of wandering streets where time slows, Battery Point promises a gentle escape - all within a leisurely stroll from Hobart’s waterfront.
Richmond Village: Where History Lingers by the Riverbank
Just a scenic 30-minute drive from Lumière Lodge, along the picturesque Southern Wine Trail, lies the storybook charm of Richmond Village - a place where time seems content to linger. With its cobbled lanes, Georgian sandstone cottages, and the famed Richmond Bridge - Australia’s oldest - this historic township invites a gentle day of wandering.
Antique lovers will find themselves at home here, with treasures to be uncovered in the iconic Warwick Oakman Antiques and a collection of neighbouring stores, each brimming with curiosities and relics of a bygone era. We recommend visiting all fourantique shops, where every corner offers the thrill of discovery.
No visit is complete without a stop at the local Richmond Bakery, famed for its hearty pies and sweet treats - best enjoyed as you stroll towards the river. There, beneath the graceful arches of the sandstone bridge, you’ll likely find ducks gliding across the water, a scene unchanged for generations. It’s a spot close to my heart, having spent many childhood afternoons swimming here with my beloved Nan - a place where simple pleasures and fond memories are forever intertwined.
Whether you're perusing antiques, savouring a pastry or simply watching the world drift by from the riverbank, Richmond Village offers a perfect blend of heritage, charm, and nostalgia - a gentle escape into Tasmania’s colonial past.
The historic and moody township of New Norfolk has been made iconic from its local artisans of wine, whiskey and fine produce. The township is a 45-minute scenic drive along the meandering road that follows the northern end of the Derwent estuary. New Norfolk is the gateway to the Derwent Valley, Mt Field National Park and the Central Highlands to Lake St Clair and other highland lakes. We recommend visiting iconic eatery, kiosk and farm, The Agrarian Kitchen followed by an antique collector’s delight, The Drill Hall Emporium, Miss Arthur, Fly Wheel, Black Swan Bookshop, Ring Road Antique Centre and Willow Court Antiques.
This wonderful meet-the-maker style market is held every Sunday from 8:30am to 1pm, you will catch every local here. We recommend saving room in your belly for a memorable brunch and room in your basket for snatching-up fine local produce, spirits, preserves and seasonal delights that you can cook-up in the cottage kitchen. Located between Elizabeth and Murry St, Hobart (Bathurst St). Walk along Arthur, Burnett and Elizabeth Streets for the easiest and most scenic route from the cottage.
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Kunanyi / Mount Wellington: Hobart’s Majestic Sentinel
Rising 1,271 metres above Hobart, kunanyi / Mount Wellington stands as a timeless guardian - its rugged silhouette a daily reminder of Tasmania’s wild, untamed beauty. From the foothills where Lumière Lodge rests, the mountain reveals its many moods: mist-laced mornings, crisp alpine air, and sunsets that cast a golden glow across the city below.
A scenic, winding drive to the summit rewards with sweeping vistas over Hobart, the River Derwent, and far beyond to the southern wilderness. Along the way, guests may wish to pause at the charming Fern Tree Tavern for a fireside refreshment, or enjoy a coffee amidst the trees at Lost Freight Café - a repurposed shipping container turned cosy hideaway.
For those inclined to wander further, circling the breast of the mountain leads to the iconic Longley International Hotel - a quintessential Tasmanian pub known for its rustic charm, hearty fare, and a lively atmosphere that feels a world away from the city’s bustle.
Kunanyi offers more than a summit - it invites exploration. A network of trails caters to every pace, from gentle forest strolls to the striking Organ Pipes Track, or the more challenging Zig Zag ascent. Whether guided or self-led, each path reveals a tapestry of alpine flora, dolerite cliffs, and stories etched into the landscape.
Travel Notes:
Drive Time: Approx. 30 minutes to the summit.
Local Stops: Fern Tree Tavern, Lost Freight Café, Longley International Hotel, Bush Bakery.
Walking Trails: Suitable for all levels - see ‘The Five Best Walks on kunanyi’.
Tip: Weather atop kunanyi can shift swiftly - a warm layer is always wise.
Whether you seek panoramic views, a quiet woodland walk, or a well-earned drink by a roaring fire, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers a day where nature, heritage, and local hospitality meet - a fitting complement to the comforts awaiting you at Lumière Lodge.
A Journey to Mt Field National Park
For those seeking a day where nature takes centre stage, a scenic hour’s drive from Lumière Lodge will lead you to the enchanting Mt Field National Park - home to the famed Russell Falls and a landscape where towering fern forests and cascading waters offer a gentle reminder to slow one’s pace.
Begin your adventure with a meandering drive through Tasmania’s picturesque countryside, where charming stop-offs await - perhaps a morning coffee at The Agrarian Kitchen Kiosk, a visit to local wineries, or a browse through artisan finds at The Drill Hall. Depending on the season, you might linger at a berry farm, or enjoy a riverside pause at The Possum Shed Café.
Upon arrival at the National Parks Visitor Centre, a parks pass (easily purchased on-site) grants you access to a realm of ancient trees, mossy paths, and the soothing soundscape of waterfalls. Whether you choose a leisurely stroll to Russell Falls or a more spirited wander deeper into Wild Country, Mt Field offers a serene counterpoint to Hobart’s urban charm - a perfect day’s excursion before returning to the warmth of Lumière Lodge.
Travel Notes:
Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour from Lumière Lodge to the Mt Field Visitor Centre (Russell Falls).
Parks Pass: Required for entry - available at the Visitor Centre or online.
Suggested Stops: The Agrarian Kitchen Kiosk, local wineries, The Drill Hall Emporium, berry farms (seasonal), The Possum Shed Café.
Best For: Lovers of lush landscapes, waterfall wanderers, and those who enjoy a leisurely day punctuated by good food and fine scenery.
Insider Tip: Pack a picnic, jumper and a light raincoat - Mt Field’s beauty often comes with a gentle mist.
Mt Field offers a day steeped in natural splendour - a reminder of Tasmania’s quiet grandeur, just beyond the city’s edge.
Bruny Island: A Day of Wild Beauty and Artisan Flavours
Just a scenic 35-minute drive south of Lumière Lodge leads you to the quaint harbour village of Kettering, where a short ferry crossing over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel delivers you to the windswept shores of Bruny Island - a place where nature’s drama meets Tasmania’s finest artisan fare.
Begin your voyage with a visit to the renowned Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co., indulging in handcrafted cheeses and slow-fermented ales amidst rustic surrounds. Follow this with freshly shucked oysters from Get Shucked, best savoured barefoot on the beach, accompanied by a chilled bottle of champagne from Lumière Lodge’s collection.
For those drawn to vistas, the climb to The Neck Lookout rewards with sweeping views across the island’s narrow isthmus, while explorers at heart may wander the wild trails and secluded beaches of South Bruny National Park - perhaps catching a glimpse of the island’s elusive white wallaby.
And for a perfect finale to your day of coastal adventure, we suggest a pause in nearby Margate at the Kuuma Nature Sauna - a floating sanctuary where you can soak in the tranquillity of Tasmania’s waters, letting the warmth of the sauna and the cool plunge revive both body and spirit before your return to Lumière Lodge.
Travel Notes:
Drive Time: Approx. 35 minutes from Lumière Lodge to Kettering.
Ferry: Return ferry pass required - bookings recommended.
Highlights: Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co., Get Shucked Oysters, The Neck Lookout, South Bruny National Park, Kuuma Nature Sauna (Margate).
Bruny Island offers a day where salt air, fine flavours, and restorative moments converge - a sensory escape, just beyond the comforts of Lumière Lodge.
The Tasman Peninsula: A Day of Coastal Splendour and Historic Intrigue
Embark on a grand day out from Lumière Lodge to the Tasman Peninsula - where towering sea cliffs, secluded bays, playful seaside villages, and whispers of Australia’s colonial past await discovery. With a well-stocked picnic basket in hand, this journey promises a symphony of nature, history, and gourmet indulgence.
Begin with a morning coffee at Cubed Espresso Bar, perched above the sweeping vistas of Pirates Bay. Wander through the whimsical charm of Doo Town, before making your way to the turquoise waters of Fortescue Bay - perfect for a seaside picnic or a refreshing dip.
Savour freshly shucked oysters from Blue Lagoon Oysters, best enjoyed barefoot on the beach, before stepping back in time at the Port Arthur Historic Site. As the day draws to a close, visit the awe-inspiring Remarkable Cave, where the ocean’s artistry is etched into stone.
Travel Notes:
Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Lumière Lodge to Port Arthur.
Suggested Stops: Cubed Espresso, Doo Town, Fortescue Bay, Blue Lagoon Oysters, Lime Bay, Port Arthur Historic Site, Remarkable Cave.
Essentials: A National Parks pass is required for Fortescue Bay and Lime Bay (available online or at the visitor centre).
Insider Tip: Start early to make the most of your day - and don’t forget a chilled bottle of champagne from Lumière for those oysters on the shore.
Best For: Lovers of dramatic coastlines, history enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a picnic with a view.
The Tasman Peninsula offers a tapestry of experiences - where nature’s grandeur and storied past combine for a day that lingers long in memory, before returning to the comforts of Lumière Lodge.
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An eye-opening winter event with a dark, moody and controversial program announced every year. This event which is brought to you by Mona (Tasmanian Museum of Old and New Art) and brings crowds from all over the world to partake and celebrate the dark of winter in Hobart. From the Winter Feast, Nude Solstice Swim and Night Mass, our recommendation is to subscribe to the Dark Mofo website for announcements, ticket releases and to book Lumiere Lodge in advance. On the flight into Hobart Airport, expect to see a red haze over Hobart as local folk change their light bulbs to welcome the night. Dark Mofo is our version of Halloween. Held between June 8th to June 22nd yearly (2024 dates have changed slightly).
Tasmania’s Taste of Summer & Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Summer in Hobart is nothing without Tasmania’s Taste of Summer event at the Hobart Wharf. A vibrant and colourful family friendly celebration that is held in a large precinct at Hobart’s waterfront with views of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Be in the midst of locals and guests cheering on the arrival of yachtsman in tall ships as they end their journey from Sydney to Hobart. An event that highlights local wine makers, brewers, distillers, a variation of cultural and seasonal foods and fun-filled activities held for families - there is something for everyone. The festival is held from December 27th to January 6th (excluding some weekdays) - see details here. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is held between December 26th and January 1st.
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery + Kiosk
